Landscape · 19th century
€ 850
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition. General age-related toning and light handling marks in the margins. Strong impression with clear detail. Some faint foxing spots present. Please study images carefully.
The Plaza de Toros of Madrid, Bullfighting Scene by W\.H. Lake Price, 1865
This large and finely executed print shows the Plaza de Toros of Madrid during a dramatic bullfight. The composition is by William Henry Lake Price (1810–1896), published in 1865. It vividly depicts the atmosphere of Spain’s capital bullring, filled to capacity with spectators. The tiered colonnades are carefully rendered, while in the arena several scenes unfold simultaneously: mounted picadors confront the bulls, matadors engage on foot, and fallen horses lie on the sand, intensifying the sense of spectacle.
Lake Price was a British artist, lithographer, and one of the early pioneers of photography, but he also produced highly detailed travel and architectural prints. This image belongs to his series of Spanish views, which captured both cultural landmarks and traditional scenes for a European audience fascinated by Iberian customs. The Plaza de Toros of Madrid was a defining symbol of Spanish life in the 19th century, and this print conveys both its monumental architecture and the intensity of the bullfight.
Collectors will value this print not only for its documentary interest but also for its scale and artistry. It stands as a record of Madrid’s social and cultural life in the mid-19th century and as a striking decorative piece.
Condition report:
Good condition. General age-related toning and light handling marks in the margins. Strong impression with clear detail. Some faint foxing spots present. Please study images carefully.
Framing tips:
This print makes a dramatic statement when framed. A wide cream or ivory mount will emphasize the architectural sweep of the arena, while a dark wood or ebonized frame under glass enhances the contrast of the sepia tint. For a more classical presentation, a gilt frame can highlight the grandeur of the bullring and draw out the print’s warm tones.
Technique: Colour lithograph (tinted)
Maker: William Henry Lake Price (1810–1896), London, 1865
